Child carrier restraint system

ABSTRACT

A child carrier having a carrier pass through which defines a restraint path between opposed carrier sides and having a carrier restraint tensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier which operates to adjust length of a carrier restraint disposed in the restraint path to secure the child carrier in relation to a vehicle seat.

This application is the United States National Stage of InternationalPatent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US2012/067128, filed Nov.29, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/629,896, filed Nov. 30, 2011, each herebyincorporated by reference herein.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

A child carrier having a carrier pass through which defines a restraintpath between opposed carrier sides and having a carrier restrainttensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier whichoperates to adjust length of a carrier restraint disposed in therestraint path to secure the child carrier in relation to a vehicleseat.

II. BACKGROUND

There can be great difficulty in installing conventional child car seats(also known as infant carriers, child car seats, child seats, or thelike, collectively referred to as “child car seat” or “child car seats”)into vehicles. Generally, this is due to the almost limitless variationin the structure and method of manufacture of conventional child carseats, vehicle seats, and vehicle seat belts.

Getting a good fit between a conventional child car seat and a vehicleseat can be more difficult than manufacturers admit due to any one or acombination of factors. For example, conventional vehicle seatbelts mayhave automatic locking retractors (ALR), or emergency locking retractors(ELR) or seatbelts that switch between the two. Most new cars' middleseats have shoulder belts, some older ones don't, but all models post2008 will. Additionally, vehicle seats can have cushions that may beflat or rounded, wide or narrow. Add to this the wide array ofdimensions and configurations utilized in the manufacture ofconventional child car seats, and the result can be literally thousandsof structural combinations to contend with.

To assist the consumer and simplify installation, the federal governmentrequired that vehicle seats and most vehicles made after September 2002feature “lower anchors and tethers for children (also known as “LATCHattachments”). If both the child car seat and vehicle are equipped withLATCH attachments, then there is no need to use the seatbelts to installthe child carrier. However, LATCH attachments create a unique set ofproblems, and not all LATCH child car seats will fit into all vehiclesfitted with LATCH attachments, or can fit improperly, or not securetightly.

Typically, in securing a conventional child seat in the rear-facingcondition using standard shoulder and lap belts without LATCHattachments, the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt is threaded through a“belt path” of the child car seat. The latch plate (male end of theseatbelt) may then be inserted into the buckle (female end), then, theinstaller places a knee in the child seat. Using the installer's fullweight on the child car seat to fully compress the vehicle seat, theseat belt is pulled to tighten the seat belt within the belt path of thechild car seat. The installer may have to bounce down on the child carseat a few times to achieve the recommended amount of slack in thetightened belt. A similar procedure can be utilized to secure aconventional child car seat in the forward-facing condition to thevehicle seat.

Typically, to secure a child car seat having LATCH attachments in therear-facing condition to the vehicle seat, the LATCH attachment furthestaway from the installer can be hooked onto the corresponding loweranchor of the vehicle seat. The installer may then place a knee on topof the child car seat. Using the installer's full weight to fullycompress the vehicle seat, the other LATCH attachment can then be hookedto the other anchor of the vehicle seat and the slack in the beltbetween the two anchors can be pulled out. The knee can then be removedfrom the child car seat allowing the vehicle seat to return to a normaluncompressed condition and the child car seat may or may not be firmlysecured in relation to the vehicle seat. A similar procedure can beutilized to secure a child car seat having LATCH attachments in theforward-facing condition to the seat of a vehicle.

Regardless of the conventional apparatus and methods used to secure aconventional child car seat to a vehicle seat the prominent problemcommon to most installations can be insufficient shortening of the seatbelt or that direction of forces generated by shorting the seat beltwithin the belt path result in substantial net forces that allowexcessive movement of the child car seat in relation to the vehicleseat.

There would be advantages in an inventive child carrier restraint systemand methods of using a child carrier restraint system which provides asolution to each of the above-described problems.

III. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a childcarrier having a carrier pass through which defines a restraint pathbetween opposed carrier sides and having a carrier restraint tensionercoupled at a fixed location on the child carrier which operates toadjust length of a carrier restraint disposed in the restraint pathhaving a first carrier restraint end and a second carrier restraint endcorrespondingly coupled to a first lower latch anchor and a second lowerlatch anchor of a vehicle seat to secure the child carrier, withoutexcessive movement, in relation to a vehicle seat.

Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a childcarrier having one carrier restraint tensioner which removably fixedlycouples at a first location on the child carrier to allow installationof the child carrier in the rear-facing condition and which removablyfixedly couples at a second location on the child carrier to allowinstallation of the child carrier in the forward-facing condition, eachof the rear-facing condition and the forward-facing condition secured inrelation to the vehicle seat by operation of the carrier restrainttensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier which reducesnet forces to corresponding reduce movement of the child carrier duringuse.

Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a methodof producing a child carrier restraint system including one or more ofobtaining a child carrier having a carrier pass through which defines arestraint path between opposed carrier sides; securing a carrierrestraint tensioner at a fixed location on the child carrier; andcoupling a carrier restraint to the carrier restraint tensioner, wherebythe fixed location of the carrier restraint tensioner on the childcarrier allows the carrier restraint to be disposed in the restraintpath to locate a first carrier restraint end and a second carrierrestraint end at the opposed sides of the child carrier for coupling toa first lower latch anchor and second lower latch anchor of a vehicleseat, and whereby operation of the carrier restraint tensioner thecarrier restraint in the restraint path shortens to secure the childcarrier to the vehicle seat.

Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a methodof restraining a child carrier to a vehicle seat including one or moreof obtaining a child carrier having a carrier pass through which definesa restraint path between opposed carrier sides and having a carrierrestraint tensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrierwhich operates to adjust length of a carrier restraint having a firstcarrier restraint end and a second carrier restraint end; positioningthe child carrier on a vehicle seat having a first lower latch anchorand second lower latch anchor; establishing the carrier restraint in therestraint path of the carrier pass through to correspondingly locate afirst carrier restraint end and a second carrier restraint end atopposed carrier seat sides; correspondingly coupling the first carrierrestraint end and the second carrier restraint end to the first lowerlatch anchor and the second lower latch anchor of the vehicles seat; andoperating the carrier restraint tensioner to shorten the carrierrestraint established in the restraint path to secure the child carrierseat in relation to the vehicle seat

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a particular embodiment of the inventivechild carrier having a carrier restraint tensioner and a particularmethod of installing the inventive child carrier to a vehicle seat in arear-facing condition.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1 which shows the carrier restrainttensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier generatingsufficient tension on a carrier restraint disposed within a firstrestraint path of a child carrier to secure the inventive child carrierto the vehicle seat in the rear-facing condition.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a particular embodiment of the inventivechild carrier having a carrier restraint tensioner and a particularmethod of installing the inventive child carrier to a vehicle seat in aforward-facing condition.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of FIG. 3 which shows the carrier restrainttensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier generatingsufficient tension on a carrier restraint disposed within a secondrestraint path of the child carrier to secure the inventive childcarrier to the vehicle seat in the forward-facing condition.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the inventive child carrier having a carrierrestraint tensioner secured to a vehicle seat in a rear-facingcondition.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of FIG. 5 which shows the carrier restrainttensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier generatingsufficient tension on a carrier restraint disposed within a firstrestraint path of the child carrier to secure the inventive childcarrier to the vehicle seat in the forward-facing condition.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the inventive child carrier having a carrierrestraint tensioner secured to a vehicle seat in a forward-facingcondition.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of FIG. 7 which shows the carrier restrainttensioner coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier generatingsufficient tension on a carrier restraint disposed within a secondrestraint path of the child carrier to secure the inventive childcarrier to the vehicle seat in the forward-facing condition.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a particular embodiment the inventive childcarrier having a first recess element within which a carrier restrainttensioner has fixed location allowing installation of the inventivechild carrier in the rear-facing condition.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of FIG. 9 which shows the carrier restrainttensioner located within the recess element allowing installation of theinventive child carrier in the rear-facing condition.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a particular embodiment of carrier restrainttensioner mount having a fixed location on the child carrier whichallows removable fixed coupling of the carrier restraint tensioner onthe inventive child carrier.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a particular embodiment of a carrier restrainttensioner removably fixedly coupled to the carrier restraint tensionermount.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the carrierrestraint tensioner removably fixedly coupled to the carrier restrainttensioner mount having fixed location within a recess element.

FIG. 14 is a top view of a particular embodiment of the carrierrestraint tensioner removably fixedly coupled within the carrierrestraint tensioner mount.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a particular embodiment of carrierrestraint tensioner mount having a fixed location on the child carrierwhich allows removable fixed coupling of the carrier restraint tensionerwithin carrier restraint tensioner mount by operation of a lock element.

V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A child carrier restraint system (1) which includes, whetherindividually or in various combinations, a child carrier (2), a carrierrestraint tensioner (3) coupled at a fixed location on the child carrier(2), and a carrier restraint (4) coupled to the carrier restrainttensioner (3). Operation of the carrier restraint tensioner (3) adjustslength of the carrier restraint (4) to positionally secure the childcarrier (2) to a vehicle seat (5) of a vehicle (6).

Generally as to embodiments of the invention, the child carrier (2) canbe formed, molded or otherwise fabricated as a one-piece child carrierfrom an injection or blow moldable plastic; however, particularembodiments of the child carrier (2) can be produced from a plurality ofpieces and the term child carrier (2) is intended to broadly encompassany constructional form suitable for use in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention. Additionally, while the child carrier (2)will typically have an internal surface (7) and an external surface (8)configured to provide a carrier seat (9) and a carrier back (10) withthe internal surface (7) configured to receive a human infant or child(not shown), the internal surface (7) can be configured to receive anon-human animal such as a dog or cat (not shown), or even be configuredto receive an inanimate object(s) such as a packages, flowers,construction material, sporting equipment, or the like. A cushion (11)can be engaged with or coupled to the internal surface (7) of the childcarrier (2). The cushion (11) can be made from a compressible material(12) such as open cell foam or closed cell foam of urethane,polyethylene, silicone rubber, or the like, or combinations thereof. Thecompressible material (12) can be overlaid by a cover material (13) suchas a plastic sheet of vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadienestyrene, or the like, or a woven fabric of natural or synthetic fibers,such as cotton, wool, rayon, nylon, silk, carbon, or the like. A harness(14) can be coupled to the child carrier (2) to restrain the human,non-human or inanimate object, in relation to the internal surface (7)and as to particular embodiments the harness (14) can be a five pointharness which attaches at the shoulders, hips and between the legs of achild or infant (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1, 3 and 9); however,the invention is not so limited. As to other particular embodiments, thechild carrier (2) can be a conventional child carrier (49) havingconfiguration suitable for retrofitting with particular elements asfurther described below to provide embodiments of the inventive childcarrier restraint system (1).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1-9, particular embodiments of thechild carrier restraint system (1) can be adapted or configured forinstallation in relation to the vehicle seat (5) whether in arear-facing condition (15) (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2)or in a forward-facing condition (16) (as shown in the examples of FIGS.3 and 4).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6, particular embodiments ofthe inventive child carrier restraint system (1) are shown which allowinstallation of the child carrier (7) in the rear-facing condition (15).As to these embodiments, the child carrier (2) further includes a firstcarrier pass through (17) which defines a first restraint path (18)which communicates with opposed carrier sides (19)(20) of the carrierseat (9). A carrier restraint (4) can be disposed in the first carrierrestraint path (18) (as shown in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2). Thecarrier restraint (4) can take the form of a belt (as shown in theexamples of FIGS. 1-2, 5-6 and 11-12); however, the invention is not solimited, and the carrier restraint (2) can take any form compatible withthe constructional form of the carrier restraint tensioner (3) utilizedwith the embodiments of the invention, as further described below.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 3-4, and 7-8, particular embodiments ofthe inventive child carrier restraint system (1) are shown which allowinstallation of the child carrier (7) in the forward-facing condition(16). As to these embodiments, the child carrier (7) further includes asecond carrier pass through (21) which provides a second carrierrestraint path (22) which communicates with opposed carrier sides(19)(20) of the carrier back (10). The carrier restraint (4), as abovedescribed, can be disposed in the second carrier restraint path (22) (asshown in the example of FIGS. 3 and 4).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10, the carrier restraint(4) can further include at a first carrier restraint end (23) and asecond carrier restraint end (24) correspondingly having a firstrestraint end fastener (25) and a second restraint end fastener (26). Asto certain embodiments, the first restraint end fastener (25) and asecond restraint end fastener (26) can be configured or adapted tocorrespondingly couple to a first lower latch anchor (28) and a secondlower latch anchor (29). The term “lower latch anchor” for the purposesof the instant invention broadly encompasses anchors inside a vehicle(6) configured or adapted for coupling the end of a seatbelt, harness,or other restraint used to secure an occupant in a vehicle seat (5)against movement that may result during a collision or similar event,whether original to the vehicle (6) in the form of LATCH lower anchors(as shown in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2) which may be spaced betweenabout 11 inches and 20 inches apart depending upon whether the vehicle(6) provides LATCH lower anchors in a middle seating position, oranchors retrofitted to the vehicle seat (5) or the floor of the vehicle(6) capable of coupling the end of a seatbelt, harness, restraint, orthe first restraint end fastener (25) and a second restraint endfastener (26) as described herein. As to particular embodiments, thefirst lower latch anchor (28) and a second lower latch anchor (29) canbe in the form of a pair of latch wires (30)(31), each of the pair oflatch wires (30)(31) having a pair of legs (32)(33) spatially separatedjoined at one end by a transverse latch bar (34). The first restraintend fastener (25) and a second restraint end fastener (26) can becorrespondingly coupled to the transverse latch bar (34) of the pair oflatch wires (30)(31). As shown in the example of FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10the first restraint end fastener (25) and the second restraint endfastener (26) can be in the form of a hook (35) with a safety latch (36)which can couple to the transverse latch bar (34) of each of the pair oflatch wires (30)(31) and having a clevis base (37) or similar type baseto which the first carrier restraint end (23) and the second carrierrestraint end (24) can correspondingly couple by wrapping the restraintends (23)(24) about the clevis base (37) and securing the restraint ends(23)(24) in secured overlaid engagement by stitches, adhesives, or heatwelding, or the like. The examples of FIGS. 1, 2, 9 and 10 are intendedto be illustrative of the numerous and varied mechanical fasteners, suchas latches, catches, or the like which can be used to removably couplethe restraint ends (23)(24) to the respective first and second lowerlatch anchors (28)(29).

Accordingly, embodiments of the child carrier restraint system (1) canbe installed by coupling a first carrier restraint end fastener (26) toa first latch lower anchor (28) on a first of the opposed carrier sides(19) and a second carrier restraint end fastener (27) to a second latchlower anchor (29) on a second of the opposed carrier sides (20). Thecarrier restraint (4) passed through the first carrier restraint path(18) and coupled by the first and second carrier restraint end fasteners(26)(27) to the corresponding first and second latch lower anchors(28)(29) allows the inventive child carrier (2) to be disposed in therear-facing condition (15) (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2).The carrier restraint (4) passed through the second carrier restraintpath (22) and coupled by the first and second restraint end fasteners(26)(27) to the corresponding first latch lower anchor (28) and secondlatch lower anchor (29) allows the child carrier (2) to be disposed inthe forward-facing condition (16) (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 3and 4).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 through 15, embodiments of theinventive child carrier (2) can further include one or more carrierrestraint tensioners (3) coupled or removable coupled at a fixedlocation on the child carrier (2). The term “fixed location” for thepurposes of this invention means that the during operation of thecarrier restraint tensioner (3) to adjust length of the carrierrestraint (4) the child carrier (2) and the carrier restraint tensioner(3) do not move independent of each other. The term “coupled” for thepurposes of this invention means a connected regardless of the means ofconnection between the child carrier (2) and the carrier restrainttensioner (3) including for example mechanical fasteners such as rivets,screws, treaded pins, or the like; flanges engaged in channels (as shownin the examples of FIGS. 11-15); or fabrication, molding, forming, orassembling into one piece, or combinations thereof. The term “removablycoupled” for the purposes of this invention means a connection betweenthe child carrier (2) and the carrier restraint tensioner (3) which canbe engaged to connect the child carrier (2) to the carrier restrainttensioner and disengaged to disconnect that he child carrier (2) fromthe carrier restraint tensioner (3) including for example matable partsof a fastener such as a pair of flanges (38)(39) slidably received incorresponding pair of mount channels (40)(41) of a carrier restrainttensioner mount (42) (as shown in the examples of 11, 14, and 15), orthe like.

As to particular embodiments, the carrier restraint tensioner (3)coupled or removably coupled at a fixed location on the external surface(8) of the child carrier (2) proximate the first carrier pass through(17) (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2) or the second carrierpass through (21) (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4) operatesto adjust the length of the carrier restraint (4) passed through thefirst carrier restraint path (18) or the second carrier restraint path(23). As to particular embodiments, the carrier restraint tensioner (3)can be configured to be coupled to a carrier restraint (4) in the form abelt having similar construction to that of a conventional automotivelap seat belt (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1-15). However, becausethe inventive child carrier restraint system (1) can be configured tooperate in a LATCH environment or similar latching environments, thecarrier restraint (4) does not need to be provided in a form similar orthe same as an automotive lap seat belt, but rather can take anyconstructional form compatible with the operation of a particular formof the carrier restraint tensioner (3) such as cord, cable, strap,links, or the like.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2, a carrier restraint tensioner (3) canbe coupled to the external surface (8) of the child carrier (2) at afixed location such that the carrier restraint (4) passed through thefirst carrier restraint path (18) can be operably acted upon by thecarrier restraint tensioner (3) generating rear-facing directionaltension force (43) which draws the carrier seat (9) of child carrier (2)toward the vehicle seat (5) to dispose the child carrier (2) in asecured rear-facing condition (15). The rear-facing directional tensionforce (43) generated by the configuration of the carrier restrainttensioner (3) being coupled or removable coupled at a fixed location onthe child carrier (2) proximate the first carrier pass through (17)between opposed sides of the carrier seat (9) act to reduce net force inthe rear-facing condition (15) to oppose movement of the child carrier(2) in relation to the vehicle seat (5).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 4, the carrier restraint tensioner (3)can be coupled to the external surface (8) of the child carrier (2) at afixed location such that the carrier restraint (4) passed through thesecond carrier restraint path (22) can be operably acted upon by thecarrier restraint tensioner (3) generating forward-facing directionaltension force (44) which draws the carrier back (10) of child carrier(2) toward the vehicle seat (5) to dispose the child carrier (2) in asecured forward-facing condition (16). The forward-facing directionaltension force (44) generated by the configuration of the carrierrestraint tensioner (3) being coupled or removable coupled at a fixedlocation on the child carrier (2) proximate the second carrier passthrough (18) between opposed sides of the carrier back (10) act toreduce net force in the forward-facing condition (16) to oppose movementof the child carrier (2) in relation to the vehicle seat (5).

The term “directional tension force” for the purposes of this inventionmeans the pulling forces of the carrier restraint (4) on the childcarrier (2) having directions of force which result from the affirmativeselection of a pass through (17)(21) in which to dispose the carrierrestraint (4) and affirmative selection of the fixed location of thecarrier restraint tensioner (3) on a child carrier (2) which byselection can reduce the net force on a child carrier (2) over a rangeof operating conditions to avoid or reduce unwanted movement of thechild carrier (2) secured to the vehicle seat (5). The structuralconfigurations afforded by affirmative selection of a pass through(17)(21) in which to dispose the carrier restraint (4) and affirmativeselection of the fixed location of the carrier restraint tensioner (3)on a child carrier (2) can reduce net force to a value lesser thanafforded by conventional car seat restraint devices.

As can be understood from FIGS. 2 and 4, particular embodiments of thechild carrier restraint system (1) provide a carrier restraint tensioner(3) that can be coupled at different affirmatively selected fixedlocations on the external surface (4) of the child carrier (2) inrelation to a first or second carrier pass through (17)(21) whichresults in affirmative selection of directional tension force (43)(44)on the child carrier (2) in securing the child carrier (2) in relationto the vehicle seat (5).

These selectable configurations of embodiments of the inventive childcarrier restraint system (1) overcomes the substantial disadvantage ofusing conventional seat belt adjustment mechanisms that utilizeconventional seat belts as installed by the factory or are retrofittedto the vehicle (6) to secure a conventional child seat. Use ofconventional seat belt adjustment mechanisms to secure conventionalchild car seats may require the use of “belt shortening clips” to takethe excess length out of the lap belt otherwise the lap belt will notsecure the child car seat in relation to the vehicle seat. This resultsin the difficulties in installation as above described. To overcome theabove described difficulties associated with use of “belt shorteningclips”, additional belt shortening devices can be applied at a locationon the conventional lap belt at a distance from or isolated from theconventional child car seat. The overall dimensions of conventional beltshortening devices may even preclude use proximate the pass through onconventional child car seats.

As one example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,451 shows a belt shortening deviceused to shorten a conventional seat belt in an automobile in an attemptto restrain a conventional child car seat. A substantial disadvantage ofthis approach is that the belt shortening device is not coupled to thecar seat at a fixed location and therefore operates at a distance fromthe child car seat to shorten the conventional seat belt and tensiongenerated acts in the direction of the seat belt as conventionallyinstalled. As shown for example in FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,451,the tension generated in the conventional seat belt acts on the childcar seat to pull the child car seat predominantly downward as opposed toback against the vehicle seat. This results in a child car seat which bycomparison to the inventive child carrier system (1) can have greatermovement in relation to seat belt (forward, backward or rotationally) orthe vehicle seat during normal use.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 3, 11 and 12, as to certainembodiments of the invention, one or more carrier restraint tensionermounts (42) (also referred to as a “mount” or “mounts”) can be fastenedat a fixed location on the external surface (8) of the inventive childcarrier (2). A mount (42) can be have a fixed location proximate thefirst carrier restraint pass through (17) or the second carrierrestraint pass through (21), or both. Each mount (42) can fixedly orreleasably couple a corresponding one of the carrier restrainttensioners (3). Accordingly, a carrier restraint tensioner (3) can becoupled to a first mount (45) proximate the first carrier restraint passthrough (17) to allow the child carrier (2) to be disposed in therear-facing condition (15) and a carrier restraint tensioner (3) can becoupled to a second mount (46) proximate the second carrier restraintpass through (21) to allow the child carrier (2) to be disposed in theforward-facing condition (16).

As to particular embodiments, one carrier restraint tensioner (3) can beconfigured to selectably removably couple to each of the first mount(45) or the second mount (46) to generate directional tension force(43)(44) in securing the child carrier (2) in the rear-facing condition(15) or the forward-facing condition (16). Now referring primarily toFIGS. 11, 12, and 14, a particular embodiment of the carrier restrainttensioner (3) which removably couples to a mount (42) can include aframe (60) which provides a pair of outwardly projecting flanges(38)(39) which can be slidably received by and removed from a mount (42)having a corresponding pair of mount channels (40)(41) each having anopen channel side (47)(48) disposed in inwardly facing opposed relation.As to certain embodiments, the pair of outwardly projecting flanges(38)(39) can be slidably engaged with the corresponding pair of mountchannels (40)(41) of the first mount (45) or the second mount (46) toallow the carrier restraint (4) operably coupled to the carrierrestraint tensioner (3) to be disposed in the first carrier restraintpath (18) or the second carrier restraint path (22). The carrierrestraint (4) passed through the first carrier restraint path (18) orthe second carrier restraint path (22) and coupled by the first andsecond restraint end fasteners (23)(24) to the corresponding first andsecond latch lower anchors (28)(29) allows the child carrier (2) to bedisposed in the rear-facing condition (15) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 1) or the forward-facing condition (16) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 3). As to certain embodiments, the carrier restraint tensioner (3)can be coupled to the first mount (45) or the second mount (46) at afixed location on the child carrier (2) such that the child carrier (2)and carrier restraint tensioner (3) do not move independently of eachother, as above described.

Understandably, as to certain embodiments of the inventive child carrier(1), the first mount (45) (or the second mount (46)) can be retrofittedto a conventional child seat (49) by the use of mechanical fasteners(50) to couple the first mount (45) (or the second mount (46)) to theconventional child seat (49) at a fixed location to allow fixed orselectably removably coupling of a carrier restraint tensioner (3). Asone example, a pattern of apertures (51) in the first or second mount(45)(46) and a corresponding pattern of apertures (51) in the childcarrier (2) allows mechanical fasteners (50) (such as rivets) to fixedlysecure the first and second mount (45)(46) to the child carrier (2) (asshown in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12).

As to certain embodiments, the first mount (45) or the second mount (46)can be one piece with the child carrier (2). The child carrier (2) beingmolded in a configuration which provides the above described pair ofmount channels (40)(41) having the open channel side (47)(48) inwardlyfacing in opposed relation. Additionally, while the examples of FIGS. 11and 12 show the first mount (45) in configuration above described; theinvention is not so limited, and the first mount (45), the second mount(46) or any one or more mounts (42) can be adapted in any form whichfixedly or releasably secures a carrier restraint tensioner (3) fornormal operation as described herein.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 9, 10, and 13, certain embodiments ofthe child carrier (2) can further include a first mount recess element(52) or a second mount recess element (53) or both. The first and secondmount recess elements (52)(53) can each provide an inward recessedportion of the external surface (8) of the child carrier (2) having abottom wall (54), a pair of sidewalls (55)(56) and an end wall (57)having an open face (58) and an open end (59). Each of the first andsecond mount recess elements (52)(53) can be configured or adapted tocorrespondingly couple the first mount (45) and the second mount (46) tothe bottom wall (54). The bottom wall (54), the pair of side walls(55)(56) and the end wall (57) having dimensional relations sufficientto allow a carrier restraint tensioner (3) to pass through the open end(59) to slidably engage the first or the second mounts (45)(46), asabove described. The carrier restraint tensioner (3) to be operablydisposed within the first mount recess (44) or the second mount recess(45), such that outwardly facing, the carrier restraint tensioner (3) isflush or at a depth lower than external surface (8) of the child carrier(2) surrounding the first mount recess (52) or the second mount recess(53) (as shown in the example of FIG. 13). As to certain embodiments,the child carrier (2) can being molded in a configuration which providesas one piece the first and second mount recess elements (52)(53) eachhaving the above described pair of mount channels (40)(41) having theopen channel sides (47)(48) inwardly facing in opposed relation moldedor otherwise fabricated as a part of the pair of side walls (55)(56) ofeach of the first and second mount recess elements (52)(53).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 11 through 14, embodiments of thecarrier restraint tensioner (3) can include a generally channel-shapedframe (60) comprising a bottom wall (61) and opposed frame side walls(62)(63) (or substantially parallel opposed side walls). A carrierrestraint winding shaft (64) can be rotationally journaled between theframe side walls (62)(63) for rotation about a rotation axis (65). Thecarrier restraint (4) can be coupled to the restraint winding shaft (64)such that rotation of the restraint winding shaft (64) results in acorresponding winding of the carrier restraint (4) in layers about therestraint winding shaft (64) to shorten the length of the carrierrestraint (4). The restraint winding shaft (64) can operate tosufficiently shorten the carrier restraint (4) to generate sufficienttension to draw the child carrier (2) into secured engagement with thevehicle seat (5) to provide a secured rear-facing condition (7) orsecured forward-facing condition (8) of the child carrier (2), as abovedescribed.

The carrier restraint winding shaft (64) can be rotated by reciprocaloperation of a ratchet handle (66) coupled to one or both shaft ends(67) of the restraint winding shaft (55). The ratchet handle (66)connects to the restraint winding shaft (55) by means of a conventionalratchet mechanism (68) mechanically interposed between. Operation of theratchet handle (66) in the “wind” direction, locks the ratchet handle(66) to the restraint winding shaft (64) allowing the restraint windingshaft (64) to rotate with respect to the frame (60). Operation of theratchet handle (66) in the opposite direction locks the restraintwinding shaft (64) in relation to the frame (60). The ratchet handle(66) can be operated in the “wind” direction a sufficient number oftimes to achieve the desired tension in the carrier restraint (4). Anillustrative example of a carrier restraint tensioner (3) suitable foruse with embodiments of the invention can be a Big Top Ratchet Tie Down,Part No. 358191126; however, the invention is not so limited, and any ofa wide and numerous variety of similar mechanisms can be utilized inaccordance with the invention to adjust the length of the carrierrestraint (4).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 15, particular embodiments of the childcarrier (2) include a carrier restraint tensioner (3) having removablyfixed coupling to a mount (42) by operation of a matable pair of lockelements (70)(71). While the carrier restraint tensioner (3) shown inFIG. 15, includes the pair of flanges (38)(39) which removably couplesto a corresponding pair of mount channels (40)(41) by sliding insertion,as above described, embodiments can further include a first one of thepair of lock elements (70) in the form of an locking aperture (72) andthe second one of the pair of lock elements (71) in the form of alocking tab (73). The locking tab (73) can extend outwardly from aresiliently flexible locking member (74) coupled to one of the pair offlanges (38)(39). Sliding insertion of the pair of flanges (38)(39) intothe corresponding pair of mount channels (40)(41) flexes the lockingmember (74) inward allowing sliding engagement of the locking tab (73)along the inside surface of the corresponding on of the pair of mountchannels (40)(41). Alignment of the locking tab (73) with the lockingaperture (73) allows the locking tab (73) to springly insertingly engagethe locking aperture (72) to interrupt sliding insertion of the pair offlanges (38)(39) in the pair of mount channels (40)(41). Forcible inwardurging on the locking tab (73) can disengage the locking tab (73) fromthe locking aperture (73) allowing continued sliding engagement of thepair of flanges (38)(39) in the pair of mount channels (40)(41) toremove the carrier restraint tensioner (3) from the mount (42). However,this illustrative example is not intended to limit the pair of lockelements (70)(71) to a locking aperture (72) which receives a lockingtab (73); but rather is intended to provide sufficient description toallow a person of ordinary skill to make and use a wide variety of lockelements which allow the carrier restraint tensioner (3) to be engagedin fixed locked relation with the mount (42) for operation, as abovedescribed, and disengaged by a user as desired.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a child carrierrestraint system for a vehicle seat, including the best mode of theinvention, and methods of restraining a child carrier in relation to avehicle seat.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of “a restraint” shouldbe understood to encompass disclosure of the act of“restraining”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, werethere effectively disclosure of the act of “restraining”, such adisclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of “a restraint”and even a “means for restraining.” Such alternative terms for eachelement or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in thedescription.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood toincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) eachof the child carrier restraint devices herein disclosed and described,ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar,equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices andmethods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of thefunctions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designsand methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicitto accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature,component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii)the applications enhanced by the various systems or componentsdisclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems orcomponents, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as describedhereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x)the various combinations and permutations of each of the previouselements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this international PCT patent specification arehereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of theinvention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all ofor a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intendedto describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferredembodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadestembodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of theinvention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right todevelop further claims based upon the description set forth above as apart of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similarapplication.

We claim:
 1. A child carrier restraint system, comprising: a) a childcarrier having a least one carrier pass through which defines arestraint path between opposed carrier sides; b) a carrier restrainttensioner mounted at a fixed location on said child carrier; and c) acarrier restraint coupled to said carrier restraint tensioner, saidcarrier restraint established in said restraint path to locate one of afirst carrier restraint end and a second carrier restraint end proximatea corresponding one of said opposed carrier sides, said first carrierrestraint end and said second carrier restraint end adapted for couplingto a first lower latch anchor and a second lower latch anchor of avehicle seat, said carrier restraint tensioner operable to shorten saidcarrier restraint in said restraint path to secure said child carrier inrelation to said vehicle seat.
 2. The child carrier restraint system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one pass through comprises a firstcarrier pass through which defines a first restraint path whichcommunicates between said opposed carrier sides, said carrier restraintestablished in said first restraint path to locate said first carrierrestraint end and said second carrier restraint end proximate acorresponding one of said opposed carrier sides, said first carrierrestraint end and said second carrier restraint end correspondinglycoupled to said first lower latch anchor and said second lower latchanchor of said vehicle seat secure said child carrier to said vehicleseat in a rear-facing condition.
 3. The child carrier restraint systemof claim 2, further comprising a first carrier restraint tensioner mountfixedly coupled to said child carrier, said carrier restraint tensionerremovably couples to said first carrier restraint tensioner mount. 4.The child carrier restraint system of claim 3, wherein said childcarrier and said first carrier restraint tensioner mount comprises a onepiece child carrier and carrier restraint tensioner mount.
 5. The childcarrier restraint system of claim 4, wherein said first carrierrestraint tensioner mount fixedly couples inside of a first mountrecess, and wherein said carrier restraint tensioner removably couplesto said first carrier restraint tensioner mount coupled inside of saidfirst mount recess.
 6. The child carrier restraint system of claim 5,wherein said second carrier restraint tensioner mount fixedly couplesinside of a second mount recess, and wherein said carrier restrainttensioner removably couples to said second carrier restraint tensionermount coupled inside of said second mount recess.
 7. The child carrierrestraint system of claim 2, wherein said first carrier bypass providesa first restraint path which communicates between opposed carrier sidesof a carrier seat of said child carrier, and wherein said carrierrestraint tensioner couples at a fixed location on said child carrierproximate said first carrier seat bypass, and wherein said carrierrestraint tensioner couples to said carrier restraint disposed in saidfirst restraint path having said first carrier restraint end and saidsecond carrier restraint end correspondingly coupled to said first lowerlatch anchor and said second lower latch anchor of said vehicle seat toposition said child carrier in the rear-facing condition, wherebyoperation of said carrier restraint tensioner to shorten said carrierrestraint generates rear-facing directionally tensioned forces whichreduce net force on said child carrier in said rear-facing condition. 8.The child carrier restraint system of claim 1, wherein said at least onepass through comprises a second carrier pass through which defines asecond restraint path which communicates between said opposed carriersides, said carrier restraint established in said second restraint pathto locate said first carrier restraint end and said second carrierrestraint end proximate a corresponding one of said opposed carrier seatsides, said first carrier restraint end and said second carrierrestraint end correspondingly coupled to said first lower latch anchorand said second lower latch anchor of said vehicle seat secure saidchild carrier to said vehicle seat in a forward-facing condition.
 9. Thechild carrier restraint system of claim 8, further comprising a secondcarrier restraint tensioner mount fixedly coupled to said child carrier,said carrier restraint tensioner removably couples to said secondcarrier restraint tensioner mount.
 10. The child carrier restraintsystem of claim 9, wherein said child carrier and said first and secondcarrier restraint tensioner mounts comprise a one piece child carrierand carrier restraint tensioner mounts.
 11. The child carrier restraintsystem of any one of claim 6, further comprising a lock element whichoperates between a locked position and an unlocked position for lockingand unlocking said carrier restraint tensioner in relation to either ofsaid first or second carrier restraint tensioner mounts.
 12. The childcarrier restraint system of any one of claim 6, wherein said a carrierrestraint tensioner comprises: a) a generally channel-shaped framehaving a bottom wall and opposed frame side walls; b) a carrierrestraint winding shaft rotationally journaled between said opposedframe side walls for rotation about a rotation axis to wind said carrierrestraint about said carrier restraint winding shaft; c) a ratchetcoupled to one or both ends of said carrier restraint winding shaft; andd) a ratchet handle rotatably coupled about one or both ends of thecarrier restraint winding shaft, said ratchet locks rotation of saidcarrier restraint winding shaft in relation to said opposed frame sidewalls as said ratchet handle rotates about said one or both ends of saidcarrier restraint winding shaft in a first direction, said ratchethandle rotated about said carrier restraint winding shaft in a seconddirection unlocks rotation of carrier restraint winding shaft inrelation to said opposed frame side walls and rotates said carrierrestraint winding shaft about said rotation axis.
 13. The child carrierrestraint system of claim 12, wherein each of said first and secondcarrier restraint tensioner mounts includes a pair of mount channelsdisposed in opposed relation to correspondingly receive a pair offlanges outwardly projecting from said channel shaped frame of saidcarrier restraint tensioner.
 14. The child carrier restraint system ofclaim 8, wherein said second carrier bypass provides a second restraintpath which communicates between opposed carrier sides of a carrier backof said child carrier, and wherein said carrier restraint tensionercouples at a fixed location on said child carrier proximate said secondcarrier bypass, and wherein said carrier restraint tensioner couples tosaid carrier restraint disposed in said second restraint path havingsaid first carrier restraint end and said second carrier restraint endcorrespondingly coupled to said first lower latch anchor and said secondlower latch anchor of said vehicle seat to position said child carrierin the forward-facing condition, whereby operation of said carrierrestraint tensioner to shorten said carrier restraint generatesforward-facing directionally tensioned forces which reduce net force onsaid child carrier in said forward facing condition.